Strong local arts organizations and a vibrant community of artists are essential for the arts to flourish in our everyday lives.

— West Virginia Commission on the Arts

The River House's Mission:

To provide a safe, welcoming space where art and music catalyze deep community connections and nourish the lives of individuals of all ages and abilities.

The River House Staff, Advisors and Collaborators

River House activities are conducted through The River House, Inc. - a WV 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Day-to-day activities are managed by Executive Director, Johanna Murray - an artist, singer and local substitute teacher.

The Board of Advisors represents a diverse cross-section of the community: Board Chair, Beth Reese, is a teacher, farmer and founder of The Reading Connection, an award-winning non-profit literacy program;

Booth Dyess, volunteer manager and life-long supporter of the Arts; Jenn Lockwood, an art therapist and photographer; Liz Braun, a local glass artist and Tamarack exhibitor; Craig Mattice; Holly Knauff-Smith, our Capon Bridge Middle School art teacher and Hampshire County “Teacher of the Year”; Barbara Caballero, a local writer, poet, and former Navy Program Manager; Steve Bailes, a retired teacher and musician; Beth Wagner; Dakota Karper; Susan Feller; and Carter Taylor Seaton, a West Virginia artist and author of Hippie Homesteaders- Arts, Crafts and Living on the Land in West Virginia.

The River House intends to collaborate with our public schools and local businesses, such as; Capon Bridge Library and The Farmer’s Daughter Market & Butcher, along with WV arts organizations, such as; Hampshire County Arts Council (HCAC), Hampshire County Co-op, Augusta Heritage Center, WV Commision on the Arts, and TAMARACK.